Pak to maintain minimum credible deterrence: Gillani

Islamabad, Apr.8 (ANI): Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that his coalition government is committed to maintaining minimum credible deterrence through conventional and strategic capabilities. Talking to the Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majeed, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House, Gillani said that Pakistan had a major role to play for peace and stability in the region. He praised the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in rescue operations during natural disasters. General Majeed briefed Gillani about his recent visit to Jordan as well as about the performance and professional activities of the army, air force and the navy. He also briefed Gillani about various ongoing upgrading programmes in the defence sector. Meanwhile, according to the Daily Times, the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani, has told his Corps commanders that every nation, including Pakistan, has a right to safeguard its national interests. Addressing the officers at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, General Kayani said harmonising all elements of national power is the best way to ensure the country’s defence. General Kiyani also emphasised the importance of correct visualisation of threats to the nation, and said that unless the whole spectrum of threat is analysed, a wholesome response cannot be worked out. (ANI)